Divorce

Select An Area... Overview When Can I Get A Divorce? How do I get a divorce? Do I have to tell the Court why I want a divorce? Adultery - Do I have to name the other person? Unreasonable behaviour - How bad does it have to be? Separation with consent - What if he will not agree? Do I have to live in this country to get a divorce here? What if I got married abroad? Will I need a solicitor? Will I have to attend a Court Hearing? How much will the divorce cost? Will I need my Marriage Certificate?

Do I have to tell the court why I want a divorce?

To satisfy the court that you have reasons for saying that the marriage is at an end (i.e. that the marriage has "irretrievably broken down") you must prove to the court that:

• Your husband or wife has committed adultery.
• Your husband or wife's behaviour has been so serious that you can no longer bear to live with them.
• Your husband or wife deserted you more than 2 years ago.
• You have lived apart from your husband or wife for at least 2 years, and he or she agrees to a divorce.
• You and your husband or wife have lived apart for at least 5 years.
• It is only necessary to prove one of the above (called "the five facts") and all but the adultery and unreasonable behaviour grounds involve a period of separation of at least two years.

The articles on legal topics published in these pages are for interest only and are necessarily general in their terms. You should not act (or refrain from acting) on the basis of the information given without specific advice, as the principles and laws concerned may change, and their application will vary according to the particular circumstances.